Don't let the cynics and skeptics try to convince you otherwise: State of the Union addresses DO matter.

Need proof? Foreign policy.

Because many of the hotspots and crises and issues America faces around the world now have been talked about in State of the Union speeches going back decades.

 For example, 20 years ago:

"Tonight let me speak directly to the citizens of Iran: America respects you, and we respect your country. We respect your right to choose your own future and win your own freedom. And our Nation hopes one day to be the closest of friends with a free and democratic Iran."

That was President George W. Bush — in 2006.

In the latest episode of C-SPAN's podcast "Extreme Mortman" — we hear from Presidents talking in their State of the Union addresses about countries and leaders we still talk about today.

In how many different State of the Union addresses has a president mentioned Hamas? And how many of those addresses were by George W. Bush?

Which Soviet leader died within two weeks of which president giving a State of the Union speech - in which year?

 And - you might remember, at the end of President Trump's 2020 address, Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi famously and angrily and dramatically ripped up her copy of the text. But during one section of that speech, she stood up and applauded. What was the topic?

So, why do State of the Union addresses matter — specifically, in foreign policy?

Find out in the latest episode of C-SPAN's "Extreme Mortman."

Find "Extreme Mortman" wherever you get podcasts.

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